LOS ANGELES >> Notes and observations as USC gets a weekend off to root for Utah to lose to UCLA and help the Trojans’ Pacific-12 South Division title hopes.

• USC’s game against No. 5-ranked Washington on Nov. 5 looms as the biggest test on the Trojans’ schedule.

But the following week’s game against UCLA (3-4, 1-3) could have far bigger ramifications. USC (4-3, 3-2) is expected to lose at Washington. But UCLA has struggled so far and might not even be favored at the Rose Bowl against the Trojans.

That creates a tough situation for USC coach Clay Helton. If the perception is USC should win the game, a loss could be devastating, especially among the social media/message board crowd.

When favored USC lost to UCLA, 13-9, in 2006, then-offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin practically went into hiding after the game and offensive tackle Kyle Williams almost quit the team after three false-start penalties and several missed blocks.

Even as USC won three consecutive games, the reservoir of goodwill for Helton remains fairly low among supporters.

• The NCAA charged Louisville’s basketball program with four serious violations Thursday and criticized coach Rick Pitino for failing to monitor a staff member who hired escorts and strippers for parties with recruits and players.

But the NCAA did not mention a lack of institutional control, the most serious of violations, that USC was hit with in the Reggie Bush case. It shows again the NCAA’s reluctance to go after schools such as Miami, Ohio State or Oregon since its draconian sanctions against USC.

• Some fans are unhappy USC hosts a week day game at the Coliseum for the fourth consecutive year. USC hosts California on Thursday night, but relief is in sight.

Pac-12 teams are required to host a midweek game two out of every three years. The current cycle started in 2015, which means no midweek home game in 2017. But 2018 could be another story. No tailgating or game parking are allowed on campus for Thursday night games.

• USC tailbacks Ronald Jones, Aca’Cedric Jones and Dominic Davis might fight each other for playing time against Cal. The Bears’ defense has given up 22 rushing touchdowns, the worst mark in the nation. Cal has allowed teams to rush for 283.8 yards per game. Buffalo is the only defense worse nationally, giving up 285.3 yards.

• When USC had a bye week in the Pete Carroll era, the team used to get lectured about staying out of trouble. That should not be a problem for defensive end Porter Gustin, who grew up in Idaho and Utah and prefers hunting and fishing in his free time.

“When I get free time (in Los Angeles), it’s just kind of boring for me,” Gustin said. “In Utah or Idaho there would be distractions because I would be hunting. I’d like to be in the mountains.

“I don’t think of (a bye week) as free time. I’m here to work.”

• The USC bookstore sells a cringe-worthy No. 3 jersey with “Palmer” on the back and equally appalling No. 47 with “Matthews” in honor of Carson Palmer and Clay Matthews. Why is it distasteful? Because in USC’s 128-year history, names have never been printed on jerseys.

This is one tradition USC never messes with no matter how much it might tweak its uniform.

The bookstore also sells a shirt that says “Trojan Basketball Never Stops.” Judging by the attendance at the Galen Center every season, some probably wish it would.

• Former USC quarterback Cody Kessler, now a rookie with the Cleveland Browns, has the NFL’s second-best completion percentage under pressure (61.5 percent). And the Browns are 0-6.

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